Frensham Village Churches

Richard Rohr on Contemplative Practice

Practice

Beholding

Contemplative practice integrates the passing insights and momentary
consciousness that come through mystical experience. Even if you haven't had
a "Damascus Road" encounter, a regular contemplative practice opens
you to non-dual awareness and the necessary actions that flow from this
knowing that we are all one in God and that God is in all things. For some
the conversion happens instantaneously, but for most of us, it does require
life-long practice.

Choose some object--rock, tree, work of art, food, creature--and
settle into some time of quiet observation. Whenever judgments, labels, or
critiques arise, whether positive or negative, let them go and return to
simply witnessing what is before you. Take it all in: shape, texture, colours,
sounds, smells, perhaps even taste. If you are distracted by something else
or the seemingly random thoughts that perpetually float through your mind,
come back to this object, this moment.

Gradually let your gaze soften and behold the more-than-matter-ness
that is also here. Deepen your awareness of the Risen Christ's presence
within this thing and within you.

You might return to this object again and again, each time deepening
your seeing to the level of pure presence, including and beyond what is
visible and sensible.